RFL Attorney Explains Laws Involved in Bill Cosby Accusations

Stephanie Fakih, founder of Rights First Law, recently discussed the laws involved in the Bill Cosby sexual assault allegations. She explained that, “[w]hen it comes to allegations of rape or sexual assault, a victim has two avenues to pursue — criminal prosecution, where the alleged rapist, if found guilty by a judge or jury, faces incarceration, or a civil lawsuit where the victim alleges ‘damages’ for the rape or sexual assault in the form a civil lawsuit for assault or intentional infliction of emotional distress. In return for the damages, the alleged rapist, if found guilty by a judge or jury, must pay the victim’s damages—in an amount also determined by a judge or jury”.